The Ark Royal Intel Science Carrier is one of the most versatile and powerful science vessels available in Star Trek Online. As part of the 15th Anniversary Bundle, this ship offers a unique combination of intelligence capabilities, science-focused enhancements, and carrier functionality. While not as popular as the Shangri-la, it offers unique features that make it a strong choice. BTW, if you are looking for a reliable STO EC seller, we can be a good option. Now, let’s get into the article.
Visual Design
Aesthetically, the Ark Royal is sleek and powerful. Its design originates from Starfleet Command, adding nostalgia for veteran players. The ship also includes the Kittyhawk-class skin, offering a modern, post-TMP aesthetic for additional customization.
Base Stats & Configuration
Tier: 6
Type: Science Carrier
Hull:
- Lvl 50: 43125
- Lvl 55: 46563
- Lvl 60: 50000
- Lvl 65: 56250
Hull modifier: 1.25
Shield modifier: 1.4
Turn rate: 8
Impulse modifier: 0.15
Inertia rating: 35
Warp core: Matter-Antimatter
Bonus Power:
- +5 weapons power
- +10 shield power
- +5 auxiliary power
Type-specific slot: Secondary Deflector
Device slots: 3
Hangar Bays: 2
Cost: 3,000 Zen
Ship Design and Build Options
The Ark Royal excels in exotic particle generator (EPG) builds, leveraging its Intel/Temporal hybrid setup for anomaly-based mechanics. This allows captains to frequently trigger Spore-Infused Anomalies, benefiting from Unconventional Systems and secondary deflector effects for powerful crowd control and debuffing potential. As a full carrier, it features a dual hangar bay setup, making it one of the most effective science carriers for pet-based combat strategies.
Best Hangar Pet Recommendation
Type-7 Shuttles – Highly recommended due to their strong debuffing capabilities, weakening enemy defenses, and improving fleet damage output.
Console: Scatter Packs and Weasel
The Ark Royal comes with a unique console that provides additional tactical flexibility.
Passive Bonuses: Minor shield boosts (not significantly impactful).
Active Ability:
Deploys four Scatter Pack shuttles, each launching kinetic warheads for additional area damage.
Deploys four Wild Weasel shuttles, which serve as decoys to draw enemy fire.
Console Weaknesses
Unfortunately, the console suffers from poor damage scaling, as it does not properly benefit from kinetic buffs. This significantly limits its effectiveness in high-end torpedo-heavy builds. If Cryptic were to adjust the mechanics to scale properly with kinetic damage enhancements, this console could become a viable tool for torpedo-based carriers.
Starship Trait
Effect: Automatically deploys additional mines whenever hangar pets are launched.
Unique Mechanic: These mines teleport to distant enemies before detonating, ensuring effective area coverage.
Best Uses
This trait is most effective in kinetic-heavy builds, especially when used in combination with hangar bay duty officers, which reduce the cooldown of pet launches. Captains investing in pet-based damage strategies will find this trait particularly beneficial.
Downsides
Can increase map clutter, which may lead to object limit issues in high-traffic zones, particularly in large-scale engagements.
Expensive setup: Obtaining the optimal duty officers to maximize this trait can be costly.
Conclusion
The Ark Royal Intel Science Carrier is an exceptional choice for captains who enjoy science gameplay but want added versatility with carrier mechanics and intelligence abilities. While it may not be the most maneuverable vessel, its specialization options, and powerful bridge officer seating allow for creative and effective builds.
